Deep, polished gameplay wrapped around an interesting and engulfing universe with all of the bells and whistles RPG and action game lovers crave spread across enough content to keep you busy for months.

Blacktail is a great game with some minor flaws here and there, but nothing that really takes away from the experience. The morality mechanics do a great job at shaping your abilities and what you’re able to do and the storytelling is pretty well done. If you’re not great at survival games you might struggle a bit with the game’s resource management, especially since your bow and arrows are your only physical weapons. Overall though, as long as you remember that survival is priority one and firing arrows at everything in sight is priority zero, you should still have an enjoyable time with Blacktail.

At the end of the day, you’ve got a fairly good port of a PS1 title with a few new bells and whistles which are greatly appreciated, but are left with a few old nagging issues.

You can't go wrong in picking up Kirby Triple Deluxe. This is a fantastic game that is a showcase piece for the franchise. 3DS owners need to have this one in their library.

Yes, things feel a bit different this time around but do yourself a favor and give it a chance. Once you find the groove in Guitar Hero Live, which is the new GHTV mode, you won’t look back or think about the way things used to be again. This is the future of guitar-themed video games.

Alan Wake's second (and presumably final) episode is going to mess with your head! With its creative level designs and moody atmosphere, this episode reminds me why I enjoyed the original game in the first place. Unfortunately it's short on answers and a little too convoluted for its own good!

Atelier Rorona Plus may not reinvent the role-playing genre, but it does add new life to the poorly-received 2010 game. By fixing many of the original game's problems (including combat, crafting, exploring, visuals, etc.), the developers have turned an otherwise middling RPG into one of this year's most surprising releases.

Hard to learn and tough to play well, this game will attract only the hardest-core RTS player, the kind who cares about realistic combat and deep strategy. This is a game that will repay effort with success, but many will find it too much effort for not enough payoff.

There's nothing horribly wrong with The Assignment, but the instant death rules that I disliked about The Evil Within continue to plague the DLC, making Kidman's story one of frustration and retries.

Them's Fightin' Herds is the most accessible and balanced fighting game I've ever played. The characters are all fantastic, the stages are beautiful, and the sound and music shines. If you want a fighting game that you'll have fun watching, and playing, Them's Fightin' Herds is the game for you. A lot of charm. A lot of depth. 4-legged fun 4 all!

I’ve never been as emotionally affected by a video game as I was by Farewell North. It’s a gorgeous bit of storytelling, flanked by music and art that is just as beautiful. You can see its emotional gut-punch coming, but good luck avoiding it.

If you have the patience for it and find the online community aspect appealing, TrackMania United will be a good fit for you.

Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 Plus takes an already fiendishly addictive arcade game and adds a fantastic multiplayer mode. At $20 it’s an impulse buy for any Switch owner.

Ubisoft has created a wonderful world for gamers to play in, but The Division is held back by a lack of mission diversity and some gameplay quirks.

Dead or Alive 5 Plus is another stellar fighting option for the Vita.

A very fun, and very strange, take on the 2D platformer. Yet another example of why we need to continue to support our independent game developers.

I can't recommend this game enough, whether it be for the casual Hatsune Miku fan, the curious gamer, or the dedicated hardcore music gamer.

Chronicles of Mystara is a must-have for any fan of the original arcade releases, or D&D fans in general. However, the charm of this package is going to be lost on anyone who wasn’t already sold on these games in the past.

Gravity Rush Remastered is a fantastic port of an already fantastic game. The updated presentation is beautiful and nothing was lost in translation when putting a handheld game on the consoles.

BioShock Infinite Burial at Sea Episode 2, for the most part, is a fitting end to the entire series.

With a great balance between playability, ominous ambiance, and well-designed VR elements like mobility and weaponry, The Wizards is an excellent model of the compelling and enjoyable things that can be done with VR. It is attractive and enticing without being too easy or too hard. Level designs are challenging but fair, although they may not feel that way at first exposure.

For the uninitiated, Total War: Attila does a good enough job introducing a very detailed world and mechanics.

Battle Chasers: Nightware is pretty typical as far as turn based RPGs go, but its tight combat, beautiful production values and faithfulness to its source material make it worth checking out on Switch.

ArcheAge is one of the best free-to-play games to be released this year, with a near endless amount of content awaiting eager adventurers.

Moody, suspenseful and elegant, Revelations does away with the extraneous complexity of other recent Resident Evil games and gets back to the basics of survival horror.

I stand here with 2006’s Oblivion in one hand and 2025’s in the other. My unapologetic recommendation: take the remaster and knock yourself out. This is the definitive way to play Oblivion now — as clunky as it is classic.

Hi-Rez has been able to do what no other company has done and that is being a true MOBA experience, filled with depth, strategy and challenge to the consoles.

World of Tanks on PlayStation 4 is as good as it ever was on PC and Xbox. It’s the focused, pared-down launch that every new platform gets from Wargaming, but there's plenty to digest. Taking time to line up a shot and punch through enemy armor makes the grind well worth it.

Pushmo Worlds makes a solid if subtle landing on the WiiU platform, and offers a ton of fun in a small little package.

Knockout City is a rollicking good time, restructuring dodgeball into a competitive team sport that anyone can enjoy. Appropriate for all audiences, there is plenty of fun here for casuals and the hardcore crowd alike. Knockout City leaves plenty of room for the game to grow and expand, making it a solid platform for success as a living game. Bright, cheery, inclusive fun.

Some huge balancing issues really mar this title. In a trait that seems to be a carryover from "UNLIMITED Saga," the game is incredibly unforgiving.

New levels of interactivity and performance feedback from the newly enhanced mission model will appeal to the offline flyer, and enhanced multiplayer capabilities will benefit the virtual airline crowd. This one is worth the upgrade price.

Ziggurat is Milkstone Studios' first game of this scope, and I both hope and believe it will be their breakout game. It is everything a roguelike game should be, and so much more.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War is great for veterans and tough for newcomers, but a joy to play for either party once you get a hang of the mechanics. It gets tedious at times, and there are missed opportunities here and there, but the Nemesis System that was a beacon of success in the first game has come back bigger and better than ever. It’s definitely a return to Middle-earth that is worth the play, and an homage to Tolkien’s works that everyone can appreciate.

It would be easy to dismiss Layers of Fear as a funhouse, but the reality is that this game goes far deeper than a ride through a spooky house. As an examination of family, artistic obsession, alcoholism and regret, Layers of Fear hits on a deeper level while still delivering quality scares.

Some of the Detective mechanics can be hit or miss at times but still hold up enough to make Judgment a fantastic game. An engrossing story, fun missions, fun side activities and great fighting mechanics makes for a great game that both fans of the Yakuza series and those who have never played a Yakuza game before can enjoy.

The family that slays together, stays together. When it comes to striking a balance between raucous gameplay and dramatic discourse, Children of Morta is an absolute gem.

The tracks are an example of quality over quantity, and one could assume that a future DLC solution will address this anyway. The new Drivatar system is basically a crowd-sourced AI training system and results in a more realistic (and, at times, frustrating) racing experience. Multiple configuration options allow the challenge to be finely calibrated to any skill level. If nothing else, the visuals alone are worth the upgrade.

Dustforce is a challenging and sometimes frustrating platforming experience that constantly expects perfection.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is a solid entry into the genre filled with so many features it will have WWE fans playing for months. The multiplayer modes and creation tools are very good and offer a lot of variety and increased replay value.

The action is extremely varied, providing a good mix of action, platforming, and other various offshoots like racing, which keeps things fresh and fun. While I enjoy creating my own characters, the requirement to purchase special crystals to do so feels like I am just being forced to buy save slots.

While Absolution doesn't provide any original or groundbreaking new features with its debut in the high-definition era of gaming, it does succeed at becoming a solid entry in the Hitman series of games.

Wolfenstein is the perfect mindless shooter, and I totally mean that as a compliment.

The price is right for this expansion ... it's the length that is all wrong.

An excellent space combat game that is hamstrung by a lack of maps.

Test Drive Unlimited is just like Grand Theft Auto, except without the sex, violence, swearing... well, ok, it's only kind of like GTA, but it is still the most fun you can have in a virtual Ferrari without risking getting a dose of a virtual social disease.

The game is at least a must-rent for all gamers and games with younger children will probably want to add the game to their permanent collection.

Firewall: Zero Hour is an incredibly immersive experience that will appeal to military shooter fans, as well as fans of very well-made VR experiences. It is hard to express how deep and involving this game can be, it simply has to be played to be believed. Though I have a few minor quibbles with the progression and the flow of matches, I still whole-heartedly recommend this amazing multiplayer experience. Firewall is a system seller, and playing it one realizes that yes, VR might just be here to stay.

Not only is The King of Fighters a solid 2D fighting game, but it is one of the best games in the series.

This is it, this is the one we've all been waiting for. Here's to hoping that, in the future, whether it's DLC or another installment altogether, that this team from the developers at Respawn can come at this again.

Don't let the duplicate songs fool you, Rock Band Unplugged is one of the best music games ever made for a portable game system!

Despite a few flaws, Sesame Street: Once upon a Monster provides parents a guilt-free reason to let their kids play video games. The game is geared toward children, yet the co-op makes it fun for parents to play along with them.

The absence of multiplayer is a slight drawback, and the cosmetic ticket system could use some loosening, but all of that detracts very little from the sheer joy of this package. The new basement setting is fun, stylish, and packed with potential. This is the best these tables have ever looked (and played), and the feeling that you are really playing them is undeniable.

Feature-wise, the Vita version of SFxT is a much more complete package than the original release. However, the cramped and limited interface of the Vita inhibit your ability to enjoy them all as much as you should. This is still an incredibly solid experience and an excellent fighting game, however I find myself longing for the ability to use my arcade stick, or at least my console controller.

An excellent and authentic single player experience, combining great game play based on squad leadership with compelling story telling.

I went into Tangledeep expecting to enjoy it and it didn’t disappoint. The game looks and sounds great, the gameplay mechanics aren’t too difficult to learn, you can hang out in lower levels to grind a bit if need be, and the myriad of optional modifiers means you can tailor the difficulty to your liking. If you’re looking for a roguelike dungeon crawler to keep you entertained and possibly challenged depending on your settings, Tangledeep should have you covered.

Planet Zoo: Console Edition does not completely pull off the PC-to-console transition from a control standpoint, leading to bouts of frustration. But it has enough charm and depth that will make it difficult for genre fans to ignore.

With its sense of humor and over the top plays, The BIGS proves to be a baseball game that is accessible to just about everybody. If you're sick of learning complex controls and memorizing player stats, then The BIGS has been made specifically for you.

With some tweaking and structure Scribblenauts could have been one of the best games of the year. As it is, it's merely adequate.

While NHL 07 certainly isn’t perfect, the core of any hockey game is still the on ice play, and that is where this game shines, outdoing the competition. Again, if it’s depth you want, you may want to also pick up 2K’s NHL offering, but in terms of hockey, EA NHL 07 is the clear choice.

If you're a fan of baseball, I highly recommend you check it out.

Knife of Dunwall is relatively short, has a story that makes no sense, makes no attempt at explaining basic plot points, and features gameplay that seems strangely lackluster relative to last October’s Dishonored. If Daud killed videogames, Knife of Dunwall would be on his hit-list.

Just when we thought "fun" in an RTS meant a term paper's worth of learning tech trees and tackling tough-graded assignments, 1701 A.D. comes along and reminds us to Keep It Simple, Stupid. Even without some overblown storyline drama, it's impossible to put this one's single-player campaign down.

Rush is a great start to the Rubik's Puzzle Galaxy series. It culls the best elements from last year's Rubik's World games and delivers them in a tighter package with a lot more core content.

With its stellar gameplay and presentation, Euro Truck Simulator 2 set a new standard for the simulation genre.

Puzzle Dimension is a simple yet solid game for the PSN, or the PC / Mac for that matter. It isn't hard to figure out in terms of how to play, but some of the puzzles will really push your patience to the limit. Puzzle fans are sure to enjoy Doctor Entertainment's freshman offering.

The tutorial will open up the rulebook, but composing winning strategies is a trial-and-error procedure that offers no apologies for its tough-as-nails enemy AI, game-ending scenarios, and multi-tasking mechanics.

It might not be the scariest game out there, but The Evil Within brings the scary and the tension. Unfortunately it trips over its feet in key places.

Gun is a fun little game of Cowboys and Indians worth checking out if you're a fan of this era, but don't expect more than a few hours of gameplay.

With the complete Phantasy Star collection, six Sonic the Hedgehog titles and a bunch of Streets of Rage titles, this Sega compilation is one of the most comprehensive yet. You would be a fool to pass up this $30 compilation disc!

Worms Reloaded is a love letter to the fans of the series from Team 17. The title is basically everything that is good from each of the previous iterations of the title with a fresh coat of paint and a few new features.

It's not a very deep game, but LEGO Batman 2 manages to charm with its open world and large roster. Fans of DC will love how many characters show up, while everybody else will have a good time taking down the Joker once again. Best of all, this game sets things up for the far more interesting LEGO Justice League adventure that is bound to be announced any time now!

A good-looking, surprisingly deep, charming city-builder. Lots of good ideas that make intuitive sense. More than worth the price of admission.

A great little galaxy-exploring game, perfect for lunch breaks. It’s fast-paced, random, and quite addictive.

City of Beats has a lot of genres combined into one, and it may have too much going on for itself. With the game literally stopping you from progressing the way that you want to, it's a little hindering. For the price, you may want to give it a shot. A shot. Like, just one. Don't worry if you lack rhythm, City of Beats does sometimes too.

The Switch ports of The Disney Afternoon Collection play just as well as the original release. However, the exclusivity of Goof Troop and Bonkers to these ports along with hardly any extras for both (including no Boss Rush or Time Attack modes) may divide some people. If you never picked up the original Disney Afternoon Collection, this is the definitive version. However, you might have to ask yourself if Goof Troop and Bonkers are worth currently being Switch exclusives.

This is going to be another one of those sleeper hits that squeak out just before a consoles life comes to an end. A true gem that should be picked up before it becomes one of those sought after titles long past its short shelf life.

While it might not be the most feature expansion pack, what it does contain will certainly excite fans of the original game who've been looking for more content.

In 2023, it's nice to know that an old formula still works. Taito overloaded the cute-ness on this title. The online mode is a nice touch, and definitely extra points for the Space Invaders crossover. Plus, who can turn down online Puzzle Bobble? Puzzle Bobble fans, this one's for you. PAYOMPA!

Just be prepared to get into it for the long haul with this game, as you’ll constantly find yourself giving this game another play through just for the great story.

Quarrel is a bright idea hamstrung by a series of unfortunate design flaws, lack of offline multiplayer, balancing issues, and a desperate need to remain inoffensive.

The Masters: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 is one of the better golf video games out there. EA Sports has refined the gameplay and added several features and courses. Putting can be a challenge, the analog swing isn't exactly new, and paying extra for the full career experience are the only bogeys in an otherwise fine round of golf.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is a lot of fun, even if its looks aren't on par with its gameplay. It does, however perfectly capture the essence of Transformers and is worth checking out whether you're a life-long Transformers fan or just watched it when you were little and never gave another thought.

Subsurface Circular has an engaging story with compelling characters that really makes you think about how you’ll meet your objectives. While the game is short, clocking in at around two hours, the story itself is enjoyable enough that you really don’t mind the short length. For six dollars, Subsurface Circular is worth checking out for the story alone.

The swappable characters add a nice new mechanic and jumping is finally in. The PlayStation 4 version looks solid with better textures and resolution. It's fun for the whole family, but can be an expensive investment if your kid wants to unlock every level in the game.

Oxenfree is everything that is right in the indie development scene. It tells a great story, has really unique gameplay that's almost completely dialog driven, and has some of the most subtle horror elements I've seen in a game. This is one of those games that you shouldn't sleep on, make sure you check it out.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a fantastic revival of a classic franchise that seemed like it was once on death's door. Origins is a complete breathe of fresh air while feeling familiar but adding much needed gameplay changes and tactics to make everything feel fresh. This is the true next generation leap for the series. If you are a fan of this series you owe it to yourself to play Origins. I cannot wait to see how they build off of this for the future.

Street Fighter Alpha Anthology isn’t going to make a believer out of you if you already hate the series, but it is a welcome addition to the library of any fighting game fan.

Prey gets a lot of things right, but it has a few technical hiccups and some balance issues that keep it from being a truly stellar experience. Let's hope we see some improvements in the next Prey.

While it's got some good graphics and some good options, gameplay leaves a lot to be desired.

Knytt Underground is sure to be one of the most controversial games of the year. It's daring in all the right ways, poking at hot topics and digging into the origins of religion. Even if you ignore the deeply personal narrative, you'll find that Knytt Underground offers one of the most elaborate game worlds ever created. It's a marvel that will keep you going for dozens of hours!

Transpose treads new ground in the world of VR puzzlers, breaking away from the tried and true room escape types of puzzles that are such an obvious fit for VR. The solutions to the puzzles are dependent on the player performing and recording actions to create "echoes," then combining those echoes into a full solution. It makes good use of VR, although there are aspects of it that can cause problems for people that suffer motion sickness when playing in VR.

With hours of gameplay, loads of weapons and a brand new city to explore, Case Zero is a no-brainer at five dollars. Mmm brains!

There are a few big twists, some of them you will see coming from miles away, and a few that you won't. But I did mostly enjoy my time with the game. I don't necessarily know when I'm going to go back and play again, but I am interested to check out a few of the other twists. I have a hard time justifying the $60 cost to anyone but fans of this kind of game.

Rockstar Games strikes again with another portable game with great graphics, solid controls and tons of content. It may not be their best work, but it's definitely worth checking out!

With Cultic, the nostalgia hits hard. So hard that it was easy to overlook some of the lighter features of the game. Enemies are mindless cult fanatics, sometimes with a gun, other times with an ax, and on occasion dressed in more than just robes. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is that Cultic made me feel like I was sitting on a kitchen chair in my friend’s house, taking turns trying to clear levels like I was ten years old. When I find something that gives me that goosebump feeling of nostalgia, I eat it up. Cultic made it feel like Thanksgiving; I can’t wait to see what the solo developer, Jason Smith, cooks up for chapter two.

Ys Seven is a great looking game that offers huge boss battles, fast-paced gameplay and a lengthy single-player experience.

Giant Sparrow delivers one of the most unique games of the year. Sadly, The Unfinished Swan is a little too easy for its own good. Players can easily blow through the game in a couple hours. Still, the game's story is strong enough to keep you engaged from beginning to end. You've never seen anything like The Unfinished Swan before!